Nexus 6 Release: What to Expect

As October winds down the Nexus 6 release date is fast approaching, but before it arrives users can expect it to be available for pre-order from Google Play, and various carriers. With a Nexus 6 release date just weeks away, we want to take a look at what buyers can expect from Google’s newest Nexus release.

Earlier this month, Google posted a quick blog post and announced the all-new Nexus 6 smartphone, the Nexus 9 tablet, a Nexus Player and the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop software update. All the reports and rumors we’d heard for months were put to rest, and you’ll be able to get your hands on both in early November.

The original Nexus 5 was announced on October 31st and released a few weeks later in November, and Google’s on track to do the same in 2014 with the Nexus 6, only have a much bigger release with all carriers on board. For those interested in Google’s latest Nexus 6 smartphone, read on for all the details you’ll need to know, and what to expect from the release.

Google shocked everyone by announcing the new Nexus 6 would be available from all five major carriers in the United States, and that includes Verizon Wireless. And while a few have confirmed they’ll carry it, and even announced dates, no solid information has been released, leaving many prospective buyers in the dark.

Since the announcement on October 15th Google’s been rather silent, and so have their partners and carriers on board. T-Mobile has been vocal, but the rest haven’t said much regarding the impending release date. That being said, here’s what we know so far.

Nexus 6 Release Date

The Nexus 6 release date is still largely a mystery for now, sadly. Earlier this week Google finally added the Nexus 6 to the Google Play Store, and confirmed pre-orders will officially start on October 29th. The release date is still expected to be in November, but when?

Motorola has filled in a few of the blanks though. The Nexus 6′s manufacturer says that the Nexus 6 will “come to 28 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America starting later this year and as we head into Q1.” Which means some might not get the Nexus before the holidays, but that’s likely for regions outside the US.

All signs point to the Nexus 6 release date in the United States from all carriers during the month of November, possibly with T-Mobile kicking things off on November 12th.

Nexus 6 Carriers (U.S.)

T-Mobile says that it plans to release the Nexus 6 starting November 12th. They’ll also offer the Nexus 9 that day too. AT&T hasn’t provided any release details, U.S. Cellular says November, and Sprint is sticking to Google’s line about “coming weeks.” We expect Nexus 6 release dates to all be around the same day or week, with all arriving inside or by the end of November.

Verizon has yet to share details, and they’re usually last to do so, but hopefully more information surfaces in the coming weeks. Once October 29th arrives and pre-orders begin, the picture could start to become more clear for potential buyers. For now though, the only solid Nexus 6 release date is November 12th for T-Mobile.

That said, pre-orders for the unlocked variant on the Google Play Store could ship before November 12th, but we’ll have to wait and see once that day arrives and Google’s shipping estimates are confirmed.

Nexus 6 Price

We still don’t have a Nexus 6 on-contract price point, though a leak suggests that it could be as low as $50 on-contract at AT&T. That could have been a mistake or placeholder, and a premium device like this will likely be $199 on contact. That price hasn’t been confirmed though, so hopefully a $99 on-contract price or some good Nexus 6 deals arrive come release day.

Motorola recently confirmed that the Nexus 6 will start at $650 off-contract. That price is for the 32GB device. The larger 64GB Nexus 6 will be $699, making it the most expensive Nexus device to date. That’s far more expensive than the Nexus 5, a device that is still available on Google Play as a budget option. Coming in at $349 for the 16GB model, and $399 for the 32GB version.

Google will offer the Nexus 6 in two colors at the start, midnight blue and cloud white, and so far we’ve yet to hear of any customization options, cases, or accessories like we’ve seen from past Motorola or Nexus smartphones. Carriers should have both colors as well, but we won’t know until they release more details themselves.

Nexus 6: Where to Buy

According to Google, the Nexus 6 will be sold on the Google Play Store, from carrier locations and through at least one big name retailer like Best Buy.

The Google Play Store is an obvious retail choice for the Nexus 6 and it will join the Nexus 9 and Nexus 5 as Google’s flagship Nexus products. Google’s Play Store has been a great place to buy previous Nexus devices, even if stock is limited and supplies sell out quickly. The Nexus 5 was a smooth launch when compared to the Nexus 4, and the Nexus 6 should be even better.

Last year, LG and Google did not take pre-orders for the Nexus 5 and instead launched the phone to high demand and saw it sell out somewhat quickly. While we saw some initial stock issues, Google’s been able to keep Nexus 5 supply flowing throughout the year.

As you can see above, all carriers will be offering it, Best Buy should have plenty in stock, and of course the Google Play Store. Others could offer the phone eventually, but for now this is all the details Google’s released.

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon will all sell the Nexus 6. We expect it to be available online and in retail stores so that consumers can go hands on with the Nexus 6 before buying it. While the big four offer tons of retail locations, U.S. Cellular’s retail locations are far more limited and those looking to buy on the nation’s fifth largest carrier might need to take a long drive to reach a store.